EDUCATIONAL 
PLAYS AND DRAMAS 



LADY 



OF THE 



LAKE 



PRICE, J5 CENTS 



EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING CO. 

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■■..■ .r'^ ; 



A DRAMATIZATION 



OF SIR WALTER SCOTT'S 



LADY OF THE LAKE 



BY 



FANNY A. COMSTOCK 



EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING COMPANY 

BOSTON 

New York Chicago San Francisco 



Copyright, 191 i 

BY 

EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING COMPANY 



©CJ.D 28113 



Vl, 



Act I 
Scene I - 
Scene II - 


CONTENTS 

-The Shore of Loch Katrine . 
-The Lodge on the Island . 


• 9 
n 


Act II 
Scene I - 
Scene II 


- The Island 


• 13 
14 


Act III 
Scene I - 
Scene II 


- Shore of Loch Katrine 


- 17 
18 



Act IV 

Scene I — The Hiding Place of Douglas . 2 1 
Scene II — The Mountain Pass . . 23 

Act V 

Scene I — The Mountain Pass . . . 25 

Act VI 

Scene I — The Guard-room ... 28 
Scene II — Court of King James at Castle 

Stirling . - «, ^29 



Harp of the North! that mouldering long hast hung 

On the witch-elm that shades Saint Fillan's spring, 
And down the fitful breeze thy numbers flung, 

Till envious ivy did around thee cling, 
Muffling with verdant ringlet every string — 

O minstrel Harp, still must thine accents sleep? 
Mid rustling leaves and fountains murmuring, 

Still must thy sweeter sounds their silence keep, 
Nor bid a warrior smile, nor teach a maid to weep ? 

Not thus, in ancient days of Caledon, 

Was thy voice mute amid the festal crowd, 
When lay of hopeless love, or glory won, 

Aroused the fearful, or subdued the proud. 
At each according pause, was heard aloud 

Thine ardent symphony sublime and high! 
Fair dames and crested chiefs attention bow'd; 

For still the burden of thy minstrelsy 
Was Knighthood's dauntless deed, and Beauty's 
matchless eye. 

O wake once more! how rude soe'er the hand 

That ventures o'er thy magic maze to stray; 
O wake once more! though scarce my skill command 

Some feeble echoing of thine earlier lay: 
Though harsh and faint, and soon to die away, 

And all unworthy of thy nobler strain, 
Yet if one heart throb higher at its sway, 

The wizard note has not been touch'd in vain. 
Then silent be no more! Enchantress, wake again! 

7 



A DRAMATIZATION OF THE 
LADY OF THE LAKE 



(Evergreen trees make a good setting for the outdoor scenes. 
The dress of the characters and the appropriate action are 
clearly and beautifully indicated in the poem itself.) 



ACT I 



Scene I 



The shore of Loch Katrine 

Fitz-James Truly this has been a dangerous 

chase for me. My fleet steed lies dead in the 

mountain pass. My companions are gone, I know 

not whither, and I wander alone in a strange 

country. To meet with Highland plunderers 

now were worse luck than losing the deer. My 

bugle note may call some straggler. (Blows his 

hunting horn.) 

9 



io A Dramatization oj 

(As he blows the second time, he shades his eyes 
with his hand, and peers into the distance. As 
Ellen approaches, Fitz- James stands behind a tree.) 

Ellen Father! (Waits and listens.) Malcolm! 
Fitz- James (advancing) A stranger I. 

(Ellen draws back a step or two, and pulls her 
plaid around her. At last seems reassured.) 

Ellen Highland halls are still open to the 
stranger. Indeed you are expected. Supper and 
lodging are ready for you in my home. 

Fitz-James Nay, your courtesy has erred, 
gentle maid. I am no expected guest, but a 
wandering hunter who has lost his way, his horse, 
his friends. I never breathed your mountain 
air till this day. 

Ellen Allan-bane, the gray-haired minstrel, 
has the gift of prophecy; and he foretold your 
coming. He pictured you exactly, with your 
hunting suit of Lincoln green, your horn, and 
your falchion. I had little faith in his prophecy, 
and thought I heard my father's horn echoing 
over the lake. 

Fitz-James Since you welcome me so kindly, 
I accept your Highland courtesy and the shelter 
you offer. Lead on. I follow. 

(They go out.) 



The Lady of the Lake 



Scene II 

The Lodge on the Island 

Fitz- James What a huge sword! I never 
knew but one man who could use a blade like 
that. 

Ellen You see my father's sword. He holds 
it as lightly as I might a hazel wand. But alas! 
the giant is absent, and only women remain in 
his place. 

Margaret (entering) Welcome, stranger, to 
our humble fare! 

Fitz- James I am the Knight of Snowdoun, 
James Fitz- James. My heritage is but a barren 
one, held from age to age by my sires at the point 
of the sword. Oft am I forced to stand for my 
rights with blade in hand. This morning I 
joined Lord Moray's train in the chase. The 
stag escaped us. I outstripped my companions, 
lost my good horse, and wandered here. (Pause) 
And now I would fain know your name and de- 
gree. That they are high and honorable, I am 
sure, spite of this humble home in which you 
choose to dwell. Surely Dame Margaret is no 
stranger to courts and cities. 

Ellen Weird women are we! By dale and 
down we dwell, and cast our spells over wander- 



12 



A Dramatization of 



ing knights. Hark to the unseen minstrel! 'Tis 
thus bur songs we sing. 



Song 



tm 



Gently and smoothly 



3=S 



Sol - dier, rest I thy war - fare o'er, Sleep the 



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eSe 



-J- 



sleep that knows not break - ing ! Dream of 



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bat 



tied fields no more, Days of 



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dan - ger, nights of wak - ing. Sol - dier, 



^^^j=f^ ^^wjr -M 



rest I thy war - fare o'er, Dream of fight-ing fields no 



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more ; Sleep the sleep that knows not 



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break - ing, Morn of toil, nor night of wak - ing. 



ACT II 

Scene I 

The Island 

Allan-bane Loveliest maiden, this rude home 
ill befits the rank and honors you have lost. 
Would I might live to see you regain them, and be 
the star of every eye, the theme of every minstrel, 
the Lady of the Bleeding Heart! 

Ellen These are idle dreams. Is not this 
rock better than a chair of state ? You are dearer 
to me than any royal minstrel could be, and for 
suitor, have I not grim Sir Roderick ? 

Allen-bane Jest not of him. Ah, lady! your 
hand is on a lion's mane! 

Ellen My debts to Roderick's house I know 
well. To Lady Margaret I owe a mother's care, 
and her brave son shelters my father from the 
king's anger. These debts I would pay with my 
life, but not with my hand. Rather would Ellen 
Douglas live a nun in narrow convent walls than 
marry the man she did not love. But hark! I 
hear the pibroch! Roderick comes. Listen! 
That is my father's signal blast. I go to meet him. 

13 



14 A Dramatization 0} 



Scene II 

Ellen Why, father, follow the chase so far? 
And why so late returned ? And why is Malcolm 
here? 

Douglas My child, the Douglas would ill 
forego the chase, the only pastime left him. To- 
day it led to dangerous ground, for hunters and 
horsemen were abroad. Young Malcolm met 
me, and risked life and land to be my guard. 
Roderick shall welcome him for my sake. 

Roderick Short be my speech. Time will 
show whether in Malcolm I find a noble friend or 
foe. I speak of the present crisis. The king 
comes to the Highlands under pretext of game. 
Douglas has been seen. His hiding-place once 
known, who can save him from the king's anger ? 

Douglas Brave Roderick, I do not fear. But 
for your sake and the Lady Margaret's I will 
leave this refuge, lest I bring harm to those who 
have sheltered me. Ellen and I will together 
hide in some forest cell till pursuit be over. 

Roderick No, by mine honor! You shall not 
go forth in danger and distress. Hear my blunt 
speech. Give me this maid to wife; aid me with 
your counsels, and with the friends that will 
flock to us, we will hold this island against the 
King himself. When the loud pipes tell my 



The Lady oj the Lake 15 

bridal, the Firth of Forth shall hear the sound, and 
the guards in Stirling Castle shall start to hear it. 
Douglas Roderick, enough! enough! My 
daughter cannot be your bride. Anguish is in 
her face, fear in her eye. It cannot be. Forgive 
her, and do not tempt me to take arms against 
my king. I taught his hand to rein a steed and 
wield a sword. Not even Ellen is dearer to me. 
I love him, spite of all my wrongs. 

{Roderick walks back and jorth in great emotion. 
He wrings the hand oj Douglas, and dashes the 
tears from his own eyes. Ellen rises to go. Mal- 
colm goes to aid her. Roderick advances fiercely.) 

Roderick Back, beardless boy! 
{They struggle together.) 

Douglas {separating them) Chieftains, forego! 
He who strikes first is my foe. Is the Douglas 
fallen so low that his daughter's hand is the prize 
of such dishonorable broil? 

Roderick Rest safe till morning; it were a 
pity that such a cheek should feel the midnight air. 
Then go and tell James Stuart that Roderick will 
keep his mountains with his sword — Malise, 
what ho! {Malise comes) Give our safe con- 
duct to the Graeme. 

Malcolm Fear nothing for the safety of the 



1 6 A Dramatization of 

spot where an angel dwells. This island will 
still be safe. For myself I say, keep your churlish 
courtesy for those who fear to be your foes. The 
mountain way is as safe to me at midnight as in 
the blaze of day. Brave Douglas — Ellen — I 
go without farewell, but we meet again. Chief- 
tain, we too shall find an hour. 

(Malcolm goes out; the others follow.) 



ACT III 

Scene I 

Shore oj Loch Katrine 

Brian {holding the cross) Woe be to him who 
fails to obey this signal! His home shall be laid 
low; his name shall be dishonored. When this 
red cross flits from man to man, it is the signal for 
the gathering of the clan, the summons of the 
chieftain. Burst be the ear that heeds not the 
voice of the messenger! Palsied be the foot that 
loiters on the way! May the life of the coward 
be blotted out without pardon or mercy! _ 

Roderick (taking the cross and giving it to 
Malise) Malise, brave and trusty henchman, 
take the fiery cross, and start it on its journey 
through the clan. The muster-place is Launck 
mead -instant the time. Let the huts and 
hamlets rise in arms at sight of the cross! Let 
the fisherman leave his boat, the mower his 
scythe' Bid the falconer toss his hawk away, 
the hunter leave the stag unharmed. The son 
shall leave the bier of his dead father; the 



1 8 A Dramatization of 

bridegroom shall forsake his bride at the church 
door. Clan- Alpine's cause brooks no delay. 
Stretch to the race, Malise! Speed! Away, 
away! 

(While Roderick is speaking the last words, 
Malise seizes the cross, and runs out at utmost 
speed.) 

Scene II 

Roderick The shadows are long on Loch 
Katrine; night comes on apace. Launch the 
boat, for I must cross to view the passes of Achray, 
and marshal my men. Leave but one page to 
bear me company, and go before me. 

(The men with their tartans and targets go out, 
shouting Roderick's name and "Clan- Alpine" 
and waving their arms. Roderick lingers behind?) 

Roderick This is the path to the spot where 
the Douglas and Ellen are hiding. This morning 
I swore to drown my love in war's alarms and 
think no more of Ellen Douglas. Yet evening 
sees me like a restless ghost, lingering near my 
lost treasure. As well stem the stream with sand, 
and smother flame with flax as seek by vain re- 
solve to conquer love! Never to see her more — 
on that I am resolved. But might I not hear her 



The Lady of the Lake 



*9 



voice? The breezes sing all too loudly in the 
rustling trees, but surely I hear the harp of Allan- 
bane. 

(Roderick listens. As the voice begins, 
Roderick stands motionless, his face turned in the 
direction from which the sound comes.) 



Song 

(By Ellen, invisible) 

(Schubert's " Ave Maria " may be sung here, instead, if pre- 
ferred.) 



pjd* 



Hymn to the Virgin 
With feeling 



gg=ft=£>- 



SgS 



sE2^£ 



i. A - ve Ma - ri - a! maid - en mild! Lis - ten 
2. Safe we sleep be - neath thy care, Ban-ished, 



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to a maid - en's pray'r;Thou canst hear tho' from the 
out - cast,and re - viled, Maid - en ! hear a maid-en's 



|^=Se§^P^=e1e^H 



wild, Thou canst save . 
pray'r ; Moth - er, hear . 



a - mid de - spair. 
a sup-pliant child I 



20 A Dramatization oj 

(As the song ends, Roderick stands lost in 
thought, till the page touches him, and points to the 
setting sun.) 

Page Master, the sun sets, and our way is long. 
Roderick (starting as from a dream) It is the 
last time — the last ! 

(They go out together.) 



ACT IV 

Scene I 

The Hiding Place of Douglas 

Allan-bane Dear lady, be comforted. The 
Douglas will return — he will — he must. 

Ellen Allan, I read my father's purpose when 
he bade me farewell, and gave me his parting 
blessing. He goes now to the king, to buy Roder- 
ick's safety with his own. He goes to do what 
I had done, had the daughter of Douglas been his 
son! 

Allan-bane Ah no ! Be sure he is safe. Trust 
my prophecy that he will return. 

{Enter Fitz- James) 

Ellen {starting up with apprehension) O stran- 
ger! Why return in this hour of danger ? What 
unhappy chance brings you here? 

Fitz-James I call it no unhappy chance that 
brings me to this shore again. By promise bound, 
my former guide met me this morning, and 
showed me the happy path of my return. 



22 A Dramatization oj 

Ellen The happy path ! Said he nothing of the 
battle to be fought, and the guarded pass ? 

Fitz-J antes No, and I saw no sign of danger. 

Ellen Allan, haste to the guide. I see him 
yonder. Beseech him to lead the stranger safely 
and surely. {Allan goes out.) Why are you here, 
unhappy man ? You are in the midst of peril, for 
the meanest serf in Roderick's clan would not 
have been bribed by love or fear to bring you 
here unknown to Roderick. 

Fitz-J ames Sweet Ellen, my life must indeed 
be dear, if it is worthy your care. Yet I count 
life but idle breath when love and honor are 
weighed with death. Then let me profit by my 
chance, and speak my purpose. I came to lead 
you from these wilds. My horses wait; they 
shall bear us soon to Stirling gate. There will I 
guard you like a tender flower — 

Ellen {interrupting) O hush! Sir Knight! 
My father is an outlawed man. The price of 
blood is on his head, and to wed with me would 
be infamy. Still would you speak? There now, 
Fitz- James, there is a noble youth who risks his 
life for me and mine. He has my heart. Be 
generous; forgive; leave me! {Fitz-J ames turns 
to depart, then comes back and speaks.) Yet, lady, 
hear one parting word. It chanced that in battle 
my poor sword saved my king's life. This ring 
he gave in grateful recompense, bidding me bring 



The Lady of the Lake 23 

it one day and claim a boon. Ellen, your hand 
— the ring is yourr. Seek the king, show him the 
signet ring, and claim whatever boon you choose 
to ask, as ranscm of his royal pledge to me. 

(Fitz-James puts the ring on her finger, kisses 
her hand, and goes out.) 



Scene II 
The Mountain Pass 

(Roderick lying in his plaid. Enter Fitz-James. 
Roderick springs up threateningly.) 

Roderick Your name and purpose! Saxon, 
stand ! 

Fitz-James A stranger. 

Roderick What would you have? 

Fitz-James I would have rest, food, fire, and 
a guide to speed me on my way. My life is beset. 
I have lost my path, and I perish with cold and 
hunger. 

Roderick Are you a friend to Roderick? 

Fitz-James No. 

Roderick You dare not call yourself his foe? 

Fitz-James I dare! Even though he and all 
his murderous band should hear me! 

Roderick Bold words! Surely they lie who 
say you came a secret spy. 



24 A Dramatization oj 

Fitz- James I am no spy. Let me but rest till 
morning, and I would write the falsehood on the 
crest of Roderick Dhu himself. 

Roderick If I mistake not, you wear the belt 
and spur of a knight. 

Fitz-James Then know by these tokens the 
mortal foe of all proud oppressors. 

Roderick Enough! Sit down. I offer you a 
soldier's couch and a soldier's fare. 

{They sit down and eat together. Roderick 
shares his plaid with Fitz-James.) 

Stranger, I am a clansman and kinsman to 
Roderick Dhu, and any word against his honor I 
am bound to avenge. If I wind my horn you are 
overpowered with members. It rests with me to 
challenge you here and now to single combat. 
But it were shame to assail a wearied man. A 
stranger is a holy name; guidance, rest, food, and 
fire, he never must require in vain. Rest here till 
dawn; then will I guide you on past Clan- Alpine's 
outmost guard, to Coilantogle's ford. Beyond 
that, your warrant is your sword. 

Fitz-James I take your courtesy as freely as 
you offer it. 

Roderick Rest here till morning. Already the 
bittern's cry sings the wild lullaby of the lake. 
Rest safe till morning. 

{They go out.) 



ACT V 

Scene I 

The Mountain Pass 

Roderick Stranger, I would I knew the secret 
cause that led you to those wilds. Few care to 
traverse them without a pass from Roderick Dhu. 

Fitz-James Brave Gael, my pass, tried and 
proved ere now in danger, is my sword. Yet I 
little thought to need its aid, when I came here 
three days since in pursuit of game. All seemed 
peaceful as the mist slumbering on yonder hill. 
Your dangerous chief was absent, nor soon ex- 
pected to return from war. 

Roderick Yet why a second time venture 
into the jaws of danger? 

Fitz-James Do you, a warrior, ask me why? 
To him who is free to choose his path, slight cause 
will suffice to guide his steps. Say that my falcon 
flew too far, or my greyhound strayed, or that I 
followed the merry glance of mountain maid. 
Nay, if a path be dangerous, the Knight loves it 
for the danger's sake alone. 

25 



26 A Dramatization oj 

Roderick Keep your secret. I care not for it. 
Yet tell me, heard you nothing as you came 
hither, of Lowland war, raised by the Earl of Mar 
against Roderick? 

Fitz- James No, by my sword! I heard of 
martial bands ready to guard the royal sports, but 
naught of war. 

Roderick If peaceful you came, why do you 
boast yourself the foe of Roderick? 

Fitz-James He is an outlawed robber chief, 
always descending without cause upon the Low- 
land farms, burning and pillaging wherever he 
goes. It is to avenge such an injury that I would 
challenge Roderick. Twice have I come to these 
mountains in peace. When next I come it will be 
seeking a deadly foe — I long for the hour when 
I shall stand face to face with this rebel chieftain 
and his band. 

Roderick You have your wish ! (At Roderick } s 
whistle, his men come pouring, in) These are the 
warrior's of Clan-Alpine, and, Saxon, I am Roder- 
ick Dhu! 

Fitz-James Come one, come all! Know that 
this rock shall fly from its firm base a= seen as I! 

(Roderick waves his hand. The mer go out.) 

Roderick Fear not, doubt not. I pledged my 
word to give you safe guidance as far as Coilan- 



The Lady oj the Lake 27 

togle ford. I only meant to shew that it was ill 
travelling in these wilds without a pass from 
Roderick Dhu. Saxon, Vich- Alpine has dis- 
charged his trust, and led you far beyond Clan- 
Alpine's utmost guard. And now a chieftain's 
vengeance you shall feel. This is Coilantogle 
ford, and our truce ends here. 

Fitz-James I owe you a debt for life pre- 
served. Can nothing but blood heal the feud be- 
tween us? Go with me to King James at Stir- 
ling; by his grace and favor. 

Roderick Name not homage to Roderick Dhu. 
What! Not yet prepared? Have I wasted my 
care on some vain carpet-knight, who fears to 
strike an honest blow? 

Fitz-James Thirst you so for combat ? Have 
no fear. We try this quarrel, man to man. 

{They wrestle together. Roderick jails. Fitz- 
James blows on his bugle. Four squires come in.) 

Exclaim not; wonder not. Look to the 
Knight. Bring him on to Stirling. The sun 
rides high; I must haste to see the archer-game 
at noon. Follow closely! 

{They go out, the squires carrying Roderick.) 



ACT VI 

Scene I 

The Guard-room 

{Soldiers standing about and sitting at table. 
Warder's challenge heard outsiae. What hoi 
A soldier goes out. Enter Ellen and Allen-bane.) 

Ellen I crave audience of the King. This 
signet ring I bring to aid my suit. 

Lewis {taking the ring with deep respect, and re- 
turning to her) The King shall know who sup- 
pliant awaits him. Show the way. 

{Ellen goes out with Lewis.) 

Allan-bane My lady safe, I too crave a boon. 
Grant me to see my master's face. His minstrel 
I, bound to be his faithful follower from the cradle 
to the tomb. It is my right to share his captive 
lot. Do not deny it. 

John oj Brent Little do we southern men 
know of vassalage and clansman's loyalty. Yet 
28 



The Lady of the Lake 29 

come, good minstrel, follow me. Your Lord and 
Chieftain you shall see ere an hour passes. 

{They go out.) 



Scene II 

Court of King James at Castle Stirling 

{Fitz-James standing with lords and ladies. 
Ellen enters timidly, pausing at the threshold. 
Fitz-James hastens to greet her.) 

Ellen O welcome, brave Fitz-James! How 
can a poor maiden pay the deep debt she owes ? 

Fitz-James Say not so. It is not mine to give 
the boon you crave, and bid your noble father 
live. I can but guide you to the King, and aid 
your suit with him. {He whispers encourage- 
ment, and leads her to the centre 0} the stage. Ellen 
looks about timidly, as if seeking the king. The 
others jail back respectfully, all looking at Fitz- 
James, who alone wears cap and plume. Ellen 
perceives him to be the king and kneels, showing 
the ring. Fitz-James raises her.) Yes, the Knight 
of Snowdoun, poor Fitz-James, is Scotland's King. 
Make your prayer to him; he will redeem his 
signet ring. Ask nothing for Douglas. His 



3<d A Dramatization oj 

prince and he have forgiven many things. Stand 
forth, Lord James of Douglas. (Douglas and 
Ellen greet each other.) Yes, Ellen, when I wan- 
der disguised through the lowlier, happier ways 
of life, I go as the Knight of Snowdoun, James 
Fitz- James. But you still hold the signet-ring. 
What seek you of the King ? 

Ellen Sire, pardon for my kinsman, Roder- 
ick Dhu. 

Fitz- James The King of Kings alone can grant 
that boon, and stay life's parting wings. I know 
the chieftain's heart, I have shared his cheer. 
Gladly would I give my fairest earldom to bid 
Roderick live. Is there no other boon to crave, 
no other captive friend for whom to seek pardon ? 
(Ellen turns away, and gives the ring to Douglas.) 
Nay, then, if you plead no further, justice must 
hold its course. Malcolm, hither. (Malcolm 
kneels to the King) For you, rebellious youth, no 
suppliant intercedes. What shall be the fate of 
him who pays our royal care by treacherous wiles, 
seeking a refuge for an outlawed man? Shall 
not vengeance claim her dues from him who 
thus dishonors a loyal name ? — Fetters and 
warder for the Graeme ! 

(The King takes a gold chain from his neck, 
throws it over the neck of Malcolm who still kneels, 
and lays the clasp in Ellen's hand.) 



The Lady oj the Lake 31 



Harp of the North, farewell! The hills grow dark, 

On purple peaks a deeper shade descending; 
In twilight copse the glow-worm lights her spark, 

The deer, half-seen, are to the covert wending. 
Resume thy wizard elm! the fountain lending, 

And the wild breeze, thy wilder minstrelsy; 
Thy numbers sweet with nature's vespers blending; 

With distant echo from the fold and lea, 
And herd-boy's evening pipe, and hum of housing 
bee. 

Yet, once again, farewell, thou Minstrel harp! 

Yet, once again, forgive my feeble sway, 
And little reck I of the censure sharp 

May idly cavil at an idle lay. 
Much have I owed thy strains on life's long way, 

Through secret woes the world has never known, 
When on the weary night dawn'd wearier day, 

And bitterer was the grief devour'd alone. 
That I o'erlive such woes, Enchantress! is thine own. 

Hark! as my lingering footsteps slow retire, 

Some Spirit of the Air has waked thy string! 
'T is now a seraph bold, with touch of fire, 
'T is now the brush of Fairy's frolic wing. 
Receding now the dying numbers ring 
Fainter and fainter down the rugged dell, 
And now the mountain breezes scarcely bring 

A wandering witch-note of the distant spell — 
And now, 't is silent all! — Enchantress, fare thee well! 



Notes 



Notes 



Notes 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 
DEC 21 mi 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




017 400 894 2 






